Wisconsin Vs. Michigan: What’s At Stake For Rich Rodriguez?

SB Nation’s Wisconsin and Michigan communities discuss Saturday’s game and what it means for Rich Rodriguez’s job prospects:

Bucky’s 5th Quarter: I have to be honest. I haven’t given much respect to Michigan all season, but here you guys are, 7-3. That’s not bad. Are Wolverines fans off Rich Rod’s back? Or is it still possible for him to lose his job if Michigan loses to Wisconsin and Ohio State and then falls in its bowl game?
Maize N’ Brew: I think Rich is pretty safe at this point. No one is “off” his back at this point because, no matter what, a 7 or 8 win season is never really enough at Michigan. The fan base as a whole expects 9-10 wins every year and to be in the top 10 consistently. Just how it is. Rodriguez is definitely looking at a return next year, but dropping the next three (bowl game included) in horrific fashion could make things REALLY uncomfortable over the off season. Personally I think Michigan plays competitively in its next two games and wins whatever bowl they go to, so Rodriguez should be looking at a really good team returning next season and a defense that might finally be mediocre enough to put them in the Big Ten title discussion.